10 dollars was a fortune
vegetables were good
i didn't worry about
if any of my friends were in heaven or hell

i had hair so blonde
it was almost white
i didn't play politics

being good was good enough
being bad wasn't fun yet

i had all the time i needed
i read three books every week
mom and dad still loved each other
i didn't resent where i lived

i didn't wake up with fear
my hands always worked
this was before carpal tunnel
and nerve damage
robbed me of everything i loved to do

kids were mean to me
but at least they were honest
bravery was held to video games
and dares

not nightmares and submission
and sacrifice

being a kid was great
and i just didn't know it